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In "Opening Statement," Ervin A. Gonzalez recommends that you organize your opening to tell a story:

First and foremost, prepare your opening so that it tells a complete and interesting story. Do your best to avoid a bland, boring discussion of what the evidence will show. The opening should be "alive," well organized, and persuasive. The theme of the case should be clearly and concisely presented. Highlight who the important witnesses are and what they will say. Further, you should identify the important documents and demonstrate what they will prove.

Mr. Gonzalez also recommends the use of demonstrative aids such as diagrams, charts and photos. And your opening should never be dull: "It cannot be argumentative; however, this does not mean that you are prohibited from being interesting, persuasive or from having a little fun during your presentation. Quite the contrary, a successful opening statement should be entertaining and should leave the jury with a feeling that you are right and that your client should win."

For some pointers on opening statement, see "Persuasion at Trial: Opening Statements," by Jeffrey T. Frederick. The article explores ways of organizing your opening statement for maximum persuasiveness, and explains each of a number of tips, such as: